Typhoon Matmo, the 21st storm of the season, made landfall in Xuwen County, Guangdong Province on Thursday, bringing destructive winds of up to 42 meters per second and torrential rains. The storm system intensified rapidly before striking the Chinese mainland's southern coast, with its 965 hPa pressure reading indicating significant destructive potential.
Regional Impact
Prior to landfall, Hainan Province and the Leizhou Peninsula experienced severe weather conditions, including 10-meter-high waves that disrupted maritime activities. Over 12,000 fishing vessels returned to harbor across affected regions as precautionary measures.
Emergency Response
Hainan authorities activated their highest-level emergency protocol, suspending all ferry services and closing popular tourist destinations including Sanya's Tianya Haijiao scenic area. 'Our priority is ensuring public safety through coordinated evacuation efforts and real-time monitoring,' stated a provincial emergency management spokesperson.
Economic Implications
The typhoon's path through one of China's key manufacturing and export hubs has raised concerns about supply chain disruptions. Major ports temporarily halted operations, while local businesses implemented flood prevention measures. Meteorologists predict the storm will weaken as it moves inland toward Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
